Definition
Clockwise describes rotation in the same direction as the hands of a standard analog clock move when viewed from the front — that is, from the top, around to the right, down, and back up the left side.
Plain English
Turning in the same direction the hands of a clock move.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviations, notices, instructions, and diagrams where a direction of rotation or movement needs to be stated briefly.
Derivation
From the way the hands of a clock face move when you look at it. The opposite direction is called counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise).
Why Pilots Care
Prevents errors when following procedures for engine start, instrument setup, or maintenance checks that specify rotation direction.
Intuition Check
Do not treat clockwise as an absolute left-or-right direction by itself. Clockwise depends on where you are looking from.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM noted that the wind was expected to shift clockwise from south to west during the afternoon.
Example Sentence 2
Confirm the propeller turns CLKWS as viewed from behind before starting the engine.